Braking device, system and method

ABSTRACT

A braking system for safely collecting brake dust produced by operation of a braking mechanism. The braking system comprises a collector apparatus coupled with a braking mechanism. The collector apparatus is able to include a shroud that surrounds the braking mechanism and a catch element coupled with the shroud for collecting brake dust exiting the shroud. As a result, when coupled with the braking mechanism, the collector apparatus is able to ensure that most or all brake dust, such as copper or other particles from the braking mechanism that break off from the breaking mechanism during operation of the braking mechanism, are removed from the braking mechanism and collected by the filter/catch of the collector mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of theco-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/798,588, filed Mar.15, 2013, and entitled “A BRAKING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD,” which ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of brakes. In particular, theinvention relates to devices, systems and methods for collecting brakedust.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, every time the brakes on a vehicle are used they arepolluting the environment by releasing “brake dust” in the form ofparticles from the brake pads and/or brake mechanism. Specifically,brake pads can contain up to 15% copper which is released into theenvironment as the pads slowly break down each time they are used.Studies have shown that about 190,000 pounds of brake pad copper ends upin San Francisco bay every year equaling 36% of the total copperpollution. Indeed, particulate matter is one of the top six commonpollutants according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thisbrake dust pollution can damage human lungs as well as harm theenvironment, for example, by disrupting salmon's ability to smell andavoid predators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a braking system for safelycollecting brake dust produced by operation of a braking mechanism. Thebraking system comprises a collector apparatus coupled with a brakingmechanism. The collector apparatus is able to include a shroud thatsurrounds the braking mechanism and a catch element coupled with theshroud for collecting brake dust exiting the shroud. As a result, whencoupled with the braking mechanism, the collector apparatus is able toensure that most or all brake dust, such as copper or other particlesfrom the braking mechanism that break off from the breaking mechanismduring operation of the braking mechanism, are removed from the brakingmechanism and collected by the filter/catch of the collector mechanism.This provides the benefit of preventing the brake dust from disturbingoperation of the brake mechanism or operation of components coupled tothe brake mechanism, as well as preventing the brake dust from pollutingthe area/environment surrounding the braking system.

A first aspect is directed to a braking apparatus for collecting brakedust caused by braking a vehicle. The braking apparatus comprises abraking mechanism having one or more brake pads, a shroud coupled withthe braking mechanism and forming a hollow cavity having a shroud inletaperture and a shroud outlet aperture and a hollow catch canister havingan air filter, a catch inlet aperture and a catch outlet aperture andcoupled with the shroud such that the shroud outlet aperture aligns withthe catch inlet aperture, wherein the air filter blocks the path betweenthe catch inlet aperture and the catch outlet aperture through the catchcanister. In some embodiments, the braking mechanism comprises one ormore calipers, a rotor and a hub, wherein the calipers are fixedlycoupled with the shroud whereas the rotor and hub are both rotatablycoupled with the shroud such that the rotor and the hub are able torotate with respect with the shroud. In some embodiments, the cavity isstructured to fit around the rotor of the braking mechanism and theshroud comprises one or more caliper apertures and one or more hubapertures sized to receive the calipers and the hub of the brakingmechanism. In some embodiments, inner walls of the shroud forming thecavity comprise one or more of the group consisting of air tunnels andair fins that guide the air along a desired route. In some embodiments,the shroud inlet aperture faces away from the catch inlet aperture. Insome embodiments, the catch outlet aperture faces toward the catch inletaperture. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises anelectrostatic precipitator having one or more plates, one or moreelectrodes and a power source that maintains a voltage differencebetween the plates and the electrodes. In some embodiments, theelectrostatic precipitator is positioned within the hollow cavity of theshroud such that the electrodes are between the plates and the shroudinlet aperture. In some embodiments, the catch inlet aperture ispositioned below the plates to catch brake dust that falls off theplates. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a magneticbraking element having a magnetic field generator and a controller,wherein the magnetic braking element is positioned within the hollowcavity near the braking mechanism and produces a magnetic field orientedsuch that the field resists the rotation of the rotor of the brakingmechanism in a first direction. In some embodiments, the controller isconfigured to adjust the strength, position relative to the brakingmechanism and/or orientation of the magnetic field produced by themagnetic field generator based on received control signals.

A second aspect is directed to a brake dust collector for coupling witha braking mechanism and collecting brake dust caused by braking avehicle. The brake dust collector comprises a shroud forming a hollowcavity having a shroud inlet aperture and a shroud outlet aperture and ahollow catch canister having an air filter, a catch inlet aperture and acatch outlet aperture and coupled with the shroud such that the shroudoutlet aperture aligns with the catch inlet aperture, wherein the airfilter blocks the path between the catch inlet aperture and the catchoutlet aperture through the catch canister. In some embodiments, thecavity is structured to fit around a rotor of the braking mechanism andthe shroud comprises one or more caliper apertures and one or more hubapertures sized to receive a caliper and a hub of the braking mechanism.In some embodiments, inner walls of the shroud forming the cavitycomprise one or more of the group consisting of air tunnels and air finsthat guide the air along a desired route. In some embodiments, theshroud inlet aperture faces away from the catch inlet aperture. In someembodiments, the catch outlet aperture faces toward the catch inletaperture. In some embodiments, the collector further comprises anelectrostatic precipitator having one or more plates, one or moreelectrodes and a power source that maintains a voltage differencebetween the plates and the electrodes. In some embodiments, theelectrostatic precipitator is positioned within the hollow cavity of theshroud such that the electrodes are between the plates and the shroudinlet aperture. In some embodiments, the catch inlet aperture ispositioned below the plates to catch brake dust that falls off theplates. In some embodiments, the collector further comprises a magneticbraking element having a magnetic field generator and a controller,wherein the magnetic braking element is positioned within the hollowcavity near the braking mechanism and produces a magnetic field orientedsuch that the field resists the rotation of a rotor of the brakingmechanism. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjustthe strength, position relative to the braking mechanism and/ororientation of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic fieldgenerator based on received control signals.

A third aspect is directed to a method of providing a braking apparatus.The method comprises coupling a shroud with a braking mechanism havingone or more brake pads by positioning the braking mechanism at leastpartially within a hollow cavity formed by the shroud, wherein theshroud has a shroud inlet aperture and a shroud outlet aperture andcoupling a hollow catch canister with the shroud, wherein the hollowcatch canister comprises an air filter, a catch inlet aperture and acatch outlet aperture and is coupled with the shroud such that theshroud outlet aperture aligns with the catch inlet aperture, wherein theair filter blocks the path between the catch inlet aperture and thecatch outlet aperture through the catch canister. In some embodiments,the braking mechanism comprises one or more calipers, a rotor and a hub,wherein the calipers are fixedly coupled with the shroud whereas therotor and hub are both rotatably coupled with the shroud such that therotor and the hub are able to rotate with respect with the shroud. Insome embodiments, the cavity is structured to fit around the rotor ofthe braking mechanism and the shroud comprises one or more caliperapertures and one or more hub apertures sized to receive the calipersand the hub of the braking mechanism. In some embodiments, inner wallsof the shroud forming the cavity comprise one or more of the groupconsisting of air tunnels and air fins that guide the air along adesired route. In some embodiments, the shroud inlet aperture faces awayfrom the catch inlet aperture. In some embodiments, the catch outletaperture faces toward the catch inlet aperture. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises coupling an electrostatic precipitator with theshroud, wherein the electrostatic precipitator has one or more plates,one or more electrodes and a power source that maintains a voltagedifference between the plates and the electrodes. In some embodiments,the electrostatic precipitator is positioned within the hollow cavity ofthe shroud such that the electrodes are between the plates and theshroud inlet aperture. In some embodiments, the catch inlet aperture ispositioned below the plates to catch brake dust that falls off theplates. In some embodiments, the method further comprises coupling amagnetic braking element with the shroud, wherein the magnetic brakingelement has a magnetic field generator and a controller and ispositioned within the hollow cavity near the braking mechanism, andfurther wherein the magnetic field generator produces a magnetic fieldoriented such that the field resists the rotation of the rotor of thebraking mechanism in a first direction. In some embodiments, thecontroller is configured to adjust the strength, position relative tothe braking mechanism and/or orientation of the magnetic field producedby the magnetic field generator based on received control signals.

A fourth aspect is directed to a braking apparatus for collecting brakedust caused by braking a vehicle. The braking apparatus comprises abraking mechanism having one or more brake pads and a dust collectorcoupled with the braking mechanism and including a hollow cylindricalhousing coupled with a hollow dust canister, the hollow cylindricalhousing forming a vortex chamber and comprising an outlet aperturepositioned in the center of the ceiling of the vortex chamber whichincludes a downwardly spiraling ramp around the perimeter of the outletaperture, a main inlet aperture positioned on the perimeter of thevortex chamber at the top of the ramp and a dust inlet aperturepositioned on the perimeter of the vortex chamber lower than the maininlet aperture and a reversal plate positioned in the center of thefloor of the vortex chamber for redirecting air entering the main inletaperture and passing the dust inlet aperture up though the center of thevortex chamber and out the outlet aperture. In some embodiments, thehollow dust canister is coupled to the floor of the vortex chamber, andfurther wherein the floor of the vortex chamber comprises one or moreinterface apertures that provide a pathway from the vortex chamber intoa dust chamber within the dust canister. In some embodiments, theinterface apertures are positioned under the reversal plate. In someembodiments, the cylindrical housing comprises a tube that extendsdownward from the perimeter of the outlet aperture into the vortexchamber. In some embodiments, the reversal plate comprises a convexsurface that faces the outlet aperture. In some embodiments, the maininlet aperture forms a funnel that funnels air into the vortex chamberand directs the air down the downwardly spiraling ramp. In someembodiments, the inner walls of the cylindrical housing comprise one ormore pillars that protrude inward from the inner walls. In someembodiments, the pillars are porous such that the pillars filter brakedust from the air passing through the pillars. In some embodiments, thepillars are movably attached to the inner walls of the cylindricalhousing via a fulcrum such that the pillars are able to rotate about thefulcrum.

A fifth aspect is directed to a brake dust collector for coupling with abraking mechanism and collecting brake dust caused by braking a vehicle.The brake dust collector comprises a hollow dust canister and a hollowcylindrical housing coupled with the hollow dust canister and forming avortex chamber, wherein the hollow cylindrical housing comprises anoutlet aperture positioned in the center of the ceiling of the vortexchamber which includes a downwardly spiraling ramp around the perimeterof the outlet aperture, a main inlet aperture positioned on theperimeter of the vortex chamber at the top of the ramp and a dust inletaperture positioned on the perimeter of the vortex chamber lower thanthe main inlet aperture, and a reversal plate positioned in the centerof the floor of the vortex chamber for redirecting air entering the maininlet aperture and passing the dust inlet aperture up though the centerof the vortex chamber and out the outlet aperture. In some embodiments,the hollow dust canister is coupled to the floor of the vortex chamber,and further wherein the floor of the vortex chamber comprises one ormore interface apertures that provide a pathway from the vortex chamberinto a dust chamber within the dust canister. In some embodiments, theinterface apertures are positioned under the reversal plate. In someembodiments, the cylindrical housing comprises a tube that extendsdownward from the perimeter of the outlet aperture into the vortexchamber. In some embodiments, the reversal plate comprises a convexsurface that faces the outlet aperture. In some embodiments, the maininlet aperture forms a funnel that funnels air into the vortex chamberand directs the air down the downwardly spiraling ramp. In someembodiments, the inner walls of the cylindrical housing comprise one ormore pillars that protrude inward from the inner walls. In someembodiments, the pillars are porous such that the pillars filter brakedust from the air passing through the pillars. In some embodiments, thepillars are movably attached to the inner walls of the cylindricalhousing via a fulcrum such that the pillars are able to rotate about thefulcrum.

A sixth aspect is directed to a method of providing a braking apparatus.The method comprises providing a braking mechanism including one or morebrake pads, providing a brake dust collector, the brake dust collectorcomprising a hollow dust canister and a hollow cylindrical housingcoupled with the hollow dust canister and forming a vortex chamber,wherein the hollow cylindrical housing comprises an outlet aperturepositioned in the center of the ceiling of the vortex chamber whichincludes a downwardly spiraling ramp around the perimeter of the outletaperture, a main inlet aperture positioned on the perimeter of thevortex chamber at the top of the ramp and a dust inlet aperturepositioned on the perimeter of the vortex chamber lower than the maininlet aperture, and a reversal plate positioned in the center of thefloor of the vortex chamber for redirecting air entering the main inletaperture and passing the dust inlet aperture up though the center of thevortex chamber and out the outlet aperture and coupling the dustcollector to the braking mechanism such that the dust inlet aperturefaces the braking mechanism. In some embodiments, the hollow dustcanister is coupled to the floor of the vortex chamber, and furtherwherein the floor of the vortex chamber comprises one or more interfaceapertures that provide a pathway from the vortex chamber into a dustchamber within the dust canister. In some embodiments, the interfaceapertures are positioned under the reversal plate. In some embodiments,the cylindrical housing comprises a tube that extends downward from theperimeter of the outlet aperture into the vortex chamber. In someembodiments, the reversal plate comprises a convex surface that facesthe outlet aperture. In some embodiments, the main inlet aperture formsa funnel that funnels air into the vortex chamber and directs the airdown the downwardly spiraling ramp. In some embodiments, the inner wallsof the cylindrical housing comprise one or more pillars that protrudeinward from the inner walls. In some embodiments, the pillars are poroussuch that the pillars filter brake dust from the air passing through thepillars. In some embodiments, the pillars are movably attached to theinner walls of the cylindrical housing via a fulcrum such that thepillars are able to rotate about the fulcrum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a braking system according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a collector apparatus ofthe braking system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of a braking mechanism of the brakingsystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of using the braking systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a collector apparatushaving an electrostatic feature according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates a profile view of the collector apparatus having theventuri feature according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates the profile view of the collector apparatus havingthe venturi feature of FIG. 6A rotated by 90 degrees according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a profile view of a braking system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the braking system accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a shroud of thecollector apparatus according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a cyclone chamber ofthe collector apparatus having a venturi feature according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a cyclone chamber ofthe collector apparatus having a venturi feature according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the braking device, system and method described hereinare directed to a braking system wherein brake dust produced by thebrake pads (e.g. through friction/interaction with an opposing brakingsurface) and other particles are collected by a collector apparatuscoupled to the braking mechanism. In particular, the collector apparatusis able to suction, filter, ionize, stick, adhere, embed or otherwisecollect brake dust from the brake mechanism such that the brake dust canbe properly disposed of instead of released into the environment. As aresult, the system provides the advantages of maintaining a cleanerbrake mechanism and device utilizing the brake mechanism as well as acleaner external environment around the device utilizing the brakemechanism. Indeed, this is able to result in better brake performancedue to cleaner brake components. Additionally, the system provides theadvantage of recovering the brake dust such that the brake dust thenable to be recycled Further, the system provides the advantage ofincreasing cooling of the braking mechanism during operation.Additionally, although the description below is in relation to a rotarybrake mechanism for a vehicle, the braking system is able to beconfigured for any device that utilizing a friction braking mechanism(linear or rotary) that produces particulate matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a braking system 100 accordingto some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the braking system 100comprises a collector apparatus 102 coupled with a braking mechanism104. The collector apparatus 102 is able to be detachably coupled to thebraking mechanism 104 such that a user is able to selectively removepart or all of the collector apparatus 102 from the braking mechanism104 in order to access the braking mechanism 104 and/or empty or replacethe collector apparatus 102. Further, the collector apparatus 102 isable to be movably coupled to the braking mechanism 104 such that one ormore components of the braking mechanism 104 are able to moveindependent of the collector apparatus 102. For example, the rotor 124and hub 122 (see FIG. 3) of the braking mechanism 104 are able to rotatewith respect to the collector apparatus 102, or in other words, thecollector apparatus 102 is able to maintain its orientation with respectto the caliper and brake pads regardless of the movement of one or morecomponents of the braking mechanism 104. In some embodiments, the brakemechanism 104 is a rotary brake mechanism for use with a motor vehiclesuch as a car. Alternatively, the brake mechanism 104 is able to be anon-rotary brake mechanism and/or for use with vehicular ornon-vehicular products as are well known in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the collector apparatus 102according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the collectorapparatus 102 is able to comprise a shroud/housing 106 having one ormore shroud inlets 108, one or more interface apertures 110A, one ormore caliper apertures 112 and one or more hub apertures 114. In someembodiments, the shroud 106 is formed by two halves that detachablycouple to each other around the brake mechanism 104. Alternatively, theshroud 106 is able to be formed as a single integrated piece.

The caliper apertures 112 are configured to receive the one or morecalipers 126 such that the calipers 126 are accessible from outside theshroud 106. In particular, the caliper apertures 112 are able to beconfigured to contact and/or snugly fit around the calipers 126 suchthat air does not enter or exit through the caliper apertures 112. Forexample, in some embodiments the caliper apertures 112 form a hermeticseal with the calipers 126.

Similarly, the hub apertures 114 are configured to receive the hubs 122such that the hubs 122 are accessible from outside the shroud 106. Thehub apertures 114 are also able to be configured to contact and/orsnugly fit around the hubs 122, and further are able to be configured toenable the hubs 122 to rotate within the hub apertures 114. The shroudinlets or gills 108 are able to be louvered or otherwise shapedprotrusions that provide a channel for air and/or other material toenter the shroud 106 via the hole in the shroud 106 created by theprotrusion. In some embodiments, the shroud inlets 108 are positioned onboth sides of the shroud 106 and oriented such that their openings facesubstantially the same direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, theshroud inlets 108 are mirrored on opposite sides of the shroud 106 andhave their openings partially or fully facing toward the direction oftravel (e.g. to the right) of the device utilizing the braking mechanism104 or toward the direction opposite the interface aperture 110A.Alternatively, some or all of the shroud inlets 108 are able to bepositioned anywhere on the shroud 106 and oriented in any and/ordifferent directions. In some embodiments, the interface apertures 110Aare able to be positioned on the end of the shroud 106 that is oppositethe direction in which the shroud inlets 108 are facing and/orpositioned. For example, the interface aperture 110A shown in FIG. 2 ispositioned on the end farthest away from the direction the inlets 108are facing such that air entering the inlets 108 will move through/pastthe brake mechanism 104 and then exit the shroud 106 via the interfaceaperture 110A. As a result, this positioning is able to effectuate themovement of brake dust from the brake mechanism 104 through theinterface aperture via the air entering the inlets 108. In particular,the positioning and dimensions of the shroud inlets 108 along with thepositioning of the interface apertures 110A are able to be configured tocontrol the speed and airflow such that it takes a desired path at adesired speed to maximize the likelihood of particle deposition into thecatch elements 116. For example, a suction through the interfaceapertures 110A, 110B is able to be created by controlling the air pathand air speed proximate the apertures 110A, 110B.

The collector apparatus 102 is also able to comprise one or more catchelements 116 coupled to the shroud 106. In some embodiments, the catchelements 116 are detachably coupled to the shroud 106. Alternatively,one or more of the catch elements 116 are able to be permanently coupledto and/or integrated into the shroud 106. The catch elements 116 areeach able to be hollow and comprise one or more filters 118, one or moreinterface apertures 110B and one or more catch outlets 120.Alternatively, the one of more filters 118 are able to be omitted suchthat the catch element 116 alone serves to capture the brake dust. Asshown in FIG. 2, the catch elements 116 are able to be positioned on theshroud 106 such that the catch interface aperture 110B is incommunication with and/or at least partially aligns with one of theshroud interface apertures 110A. In some embodiments, the interfaceapertures 110A, 110B form an air tight seal with each other such thatair cannot leak in or out through the interface between the interfaceapertures 110A, 110B. As a result, air carrying brake dust is able tomove from the shroud 106 into the catch elements 116 via the interfaceapertures 110A, 110B. In some embodiments, one or more of the catchelements 116 are able to comprise fill sensors (not shown) that detectwhen the catch element 116 is full and needs to be emptied. The fillsensors are able to indicate to a user the fill level of the element 116such that the user is able to empty the catch element 116 before itoverflows and disrupts operation of the system 100.

The filters 118 of each catch 116 are able to be positioned such thatthey cover the interface apertures 110B of the catch 116. As a result,the filters 118 are able to filter the brake dust from the air enteringthe catch 116 from the shroud 106. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe filters 118 are able to be removable/replaceable such that as theybecome dirty they are able to be removed and replaced within the catch116 by a new filter 118. In such embodiments, the catch element 116 isable to comprise one or more fasteners that selectively couple thefilters 118 in position within the catch 116. Alternatively, one or moreof the filters 118 are able to be permanently coupled to the catchelements 116. Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments thefilters 118 are able to be omitted from one or more of the catchelements 116 such that the cavity within the catch elements 116 servesto collect and/or filter the brake dust from the air received from theshroud 106. In some embodiments, the catch elements 116 are able tocomprise a detachable portion that collects the brake dust and is thenable to be detached and emptied before being reattached to the catch116.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the one or more catch outlets120 of the catch elements 116 are able to be positioned adjacent to theedge of the shroud 106 and facing fully or partially forward withrespect to the direction of travel (e.g. the same direction as theinlets 108). This positioning causes the air to reverse direction withinthe catch element 116 in order to enter through the interface aperture110B and exit through the outlet 120 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, brakedust is able to be caught in the catch 116 as the air reversesdirection. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the one or more catchoutlets 120 of the catch elements 116 are able to be positioned to facefully or partially opposite the direction of travel (e.g. opposite theinterface aperture 110B or the inlets 108). As a result, air receivedfrom the shroud 106 is able to freely exit the catch elements 116without changing direction via the outlets 120, while the brake dust iscaptured by the filters 118. In either case, the catch elements 116 areable to provide the advantage of collecting the brake dust such that itis not distributed to the environment.

Although as shown in FIG. 2, the shroud 106 surrounds most or all of thebraking mechanism 104, in some embodiments the shroud 106 is able to besmaller such that it only surrounds most or all of the callipers 126and/or brake pads 128 or such that it only surrounds other portions ofthe braking mechanism 104. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in someembodiments the shroud 106 is able to comprise one or more tunnels 107and/or one or more vanes, guides or fins 109 that direct air 91 into thecatch elements 116 (via interface 110A) and/or away from the apertures112, 114 of the shroud 106 where the brake dust might escape into theexternal environment. In such embodiments, the shroud 106 is able tohouse some or all of the braking mechanism 104 as well as internallyincorporate the tunnels 107 and/or guides 109 coupled to the inside ofthe shroud 106, or the shroud 106 is able to comprise the tunnels 107and/or guides 109 in lieu of housing a portion of the braking mechanism104. For example, in some embodiments the shroud 106 is able to nothouse any portion of the braking mechanism 104 and instead rely solelyon the tunnels 107 and/or guides 109 to direct the air 91 and brake dustinto the catch elements 116.

In some embodiments, the collector apparatus 102 comprises a venturielement or tunnel for creating a low pressure, vacuum or suction forcepositioned to bias the air and brake dust into the catch 116. Forexample, the catch 116 is able to comprise a venturi pathway or tunnelthat narrows between an air inlet and an air outlet thereby creating alow pressure area in the narrowed area. In particular, this low pressurearea is able to be in communication with, adjacent to and/or alignedwith the interface aperture 110B and/or filter 118 such that the lowpressure creates a suction force on the interface aperture 110B and/orfilter 118 and thereby suck the dirty air into the catch 116 from withinthe shroud 106. In some embodiments, the air inlet of the venturielement is able to face fully or partially forward with respect to thedirection of travel (e.g. the same direction as the inlets 108) in orderto receive outside air as it passes the collector 102. In someembodiments, the body or structure of the catch 116 forms the venturielement. Alternatively, the venturi element is able to be coupled to thecatch 116 to create the venturi pathway.

In some embodiments, the venturi element is able to comprise a cyclonechamber 602 and/or collector apparatus 600 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.In such embodiments, the cyclone chamber 602 and/or collector apparatus600 is able to supplement or replace the catch 116. For example, thebrake dust inlet 606 is able to be positioned in communication with,adjacent to and/or aligned with the interface aperture 110B and/orfilter 118 such that the low pressure creates a suction force on theinterface aperture 110B and/or filter 118 and thereby suck the dirty airinto the catch 116 from within the shroud 106. Additionally, the maininlet 604 is able to face fully or partially forward with respect to thedirection of travel (e.g. the same direction as the inlets 108) in orderto receive outside air as it passes. As a result, the addition of aventuri element (tunnel or cyclone) is able to provide the benefit ofproviding a suction force on the interface aperture 110B and/or filter118 which increases the amount of brake dust that is collected by thecollector apparatus 100, 600.

FIG. 3 illustrates a profile view of the braking mechanism 104 accordingto some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the brake mechanism 104 is ableto comprise a hub 122, a rotor or disc 124, one or more calipers 126 andone or more brake pads 128. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism 104comprises two brake pads 128 for each caliper 126. Alternatively, moreor less brake pads 128 are able to be used for each caliper 126.Additionally, it should be noted that the brake mechanism 104 is able toinclude one or more additional components well known in the art, whichhave been omitted for the sake of brevity. The rotor 124 is coupled tothe hub 122 and straddled by the brake pads 128 which are operablycoupled with the calipers 126. In some embodiments, the rotor 124comprises one or more holes 130 and/or one or more surface channels 132.Specifically, the holes 130 and surface channels 132 are able to provideincreased heat dissipation as well as the removal of gas, water andother material on the rotor 124. Although as shown in FIG. 3 the holes130 and channels 132 are evenly spaced and positioned at differentradiuses of the rotor 124, the holes 130 and/or channels 132 are able tobe positioned anywhere on the rotor 124 uniformly or non-uniformlyspaced. Alternatively, the holes and/or channels 132 are able to beomitted. In operation, the calipers 126 cause the brake pads 128 toapply force to the rotor 124 thereby slowing the rotation of the rotor124 and the hub 122. In the process, one or more particles of the brakepads 128 or other components of the braking mechanism 104 become looseand separate from the mechanism 104. These separated particles alongwith dirt and other loose particles that are around the brakingmechanism 104 collectively comprise brake dust which is a pollutant tothe environment as well as possibly harmful to surrounding devices.

In operation, as the system 100 moves (e.g. in the direction of theinlets 108), air flowing across the system 100 is guided into the shroud106 by the inlets 108. This air travels through the shroud 106 aroundthe braking mechanism 104 picking up brake dust and carrying the brakedust into the catch elements 116 via the interface apertures 110A, 110Bas “dirty air”. In some embodiments, as the “dirty air” enters the catchelements 116 it travels through the one or more filters 118 whichcollect the brake dust from the “dirty air” such that only “clean air”without brake dust exits the filters 118 and the catch elements 116 viathe one or more catch outlets 120. Alternatively, the filters 118 areable to be omitted and/or the “dirty air” is forced to change directionby positioning the catch outlet 120 such that the outlet 120 faces theinlets 108. As a result of the centrifugal force caused by the directionchange of the “dirty air”, the brake dust separates from the air and iscollected in the cavity of the catch elements 116 such that only “cleanair” exits the outlet 120. Additionally, one or more particles of brakedust will impact with the shroud 106 and then fall into the catchelements 116 via gravity thereby increasing the percentage of brake dustcaptured by the system 100. The filters 118 and/or catch elements 116are then able to be emptied and/or replaced to safely remove thecollected brake dust. As a result, the system 100 provides theadvantages of maintaining a cleaner brake mechanism 104 as well as acleaner environment around the brake mechanism 104. Further, the system100 provides the advantage of increasing of the cooling the brakingmechanism during operation by directing (e.g. greater and/or faster) airflow through the brake mechanism 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of utilizing the brakingsystem 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, a usercouples a shroud 106 around a braking mechanism 104 at the step 402. Theuser couples one or more catch elements 116 to the shroud 106 at thestep 404. The catch elements 116 are able to be positioned such that theinterface apertures 110A, 110B are at least partially aligned forming anair channel between the shroud 106 and the catch elements 116. In someembodiments, the catch elements 116 are able to be permanently coupledto the shroud 106 such that steps 402 and 404 are combined and when theshroud 106 is coupled to the braking mechanism 104 the catch elements116 are as well. The user selectively empties the catch elements 116 atthe step 406. In some embodiments, emptying the catch elements 116comprises separating the catch elements 116 from the shroud 106 anddumping out the brake dust and/or removing one or more filters 118within the catch elements 116. Alternatively, emptying the catchelements 116 is able to comprise opening and/or detaching a component ofthe catch elements 116 and dumping out the brake dust and/or removingone or more filters 118 within the component. In some embodiments, themethod further comprising replacing the one or more filters 118 withinthe catch elements 116 and/or reattaching the emptied catch elements 116to the shroud 106. Accordingly, as described above, the method providesthe advantages of maintaining a cleaner brake mechanism 104 as well as acleaner environment around the brake mechanism 104. Further, the methodprovides the advantage of increasing the cooling of the brakingmechanism during operation by directing air flow through the brakemechanism 104.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a collector apparatus 500having an electrostatic feature according to some embodiments. Thecollector apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially similar to thecollector apparatus 102 except for the differences described herein. Asshown in FIG. 5, the collector apparatus 500 comprises an electrostaticprecipitator 502 and a shroud 106 having an extended cavity 508 and ashroud outlet 512. Alternatively, one or more of the electrostaticprecipitator 502, the extended cavity 508 or the shroud outlet 512 areable to be omitted. The electrostatic precipitator 502 is positionedwithin the shroud 106 adjacent to the braking mechanism 104 (not shown)and/or in the path 99 of the air entering and exiting the shroud 106.Accordingly, although the precipitator 502 of FIG. 5 is shown below thehub aperture 114 of the shroud 106, all other positions within theshroud 106 and/or catch element 116 are contemplated. Similarly,although the extended cavity 508 is shown at the bottom of the shroud106 and the shroud outlet 512 is shown across from the inlet 108, thecavity 508 and/or outlet 512 are able to be positioned elsewhere on theshroud 106. Finally, the precipitator 502 is able to be positionedanywhere within the airstream such that the precipitator 502 is ablecharge and capture the brake dust and/or other particles. The shroudoutlet 512 provides an opening where the air entering the shroud 106 viathe inlets 108 are able to exit the shroud 106. In particular, theposition of the shroud outlet 512 and/or the shroud inlets 108 are ableto be adjusted in order to control the path 99 of the air (e.g. throughthe precipitator 502) as it travels through the shroud 106.

The electrostatic precipitator 502 comprises one or more power sources505, one or more electrodes or wires 504 and one or more plates 506. Thewires 504 and plates 506 are positioned such that air entering theshroud passes through or by the wires 504 and then in between (e.g. avertical stack of) or by the plates 506. The power sources 505 areelectrically coupled with the wires 504 and the plates 506 and create avoltage difference between the wires 504 and the plates 506. Forexample, the power supply 505 is able to apply a negative voltage ofseveral thousand volts between wires 504 and plates 506 such that anelectric (corona) discharge ionizes particles (e.g. brake dust) in theair that flow through/by the wires 504. As a result, the charged/ionizedparticles follow the negative electrical field created by the powersupply 505 and are attracted to the positively charged plates 506.Accordingly, the particles collect on the plates 506 instead offollowing the path 99 of the air out into the environment. In someembodiments, the wires 504 are able to be replaced or supplemented bycharging one or more components of the braking mechanism 104 itself. Asa result, the braking mechanism components ionize the brake dust and theparticles again follow the negative electrical field created by thepower supply 505 and are attracted to the positively charged plates 506.It should be noted that although as discussed above the plates 506 arepositively charged and the wires 504 or braking mechanism components arenegatively charged, the plates 506 are able to be negatively charged andthe wires 504 or braking mechanism components are able to be positivelycharged.

The extended cavity 508 is positioned within the shroud 106 adjacent tothe path 99 of the air through the shroud 106 in order to create one ormore eddy currents 510 within the extended cavity 508. In particular,the extended cavity 508 is able to protrude from the contours of thebraking mechanism 102 (e.g. the rotor 124) in order to create an areawhere eddy currents 510 are able to form. As shown in FIG. 5, theextended cavity 508 is adjacent to the interface apertures 110A, 110Band the catch element 116. As a result, the eddy currents 510 caused bythe extended cavity 508 are able to both guide brake dust within the airinto the catch element 116 and/or redirect air and brake dust throughthe precipitator 502 such that any missed brake dust particles arecollected by the precipitator 502. Additionally, any particles notgathered by the precipitator 502 are able to be caught by the eddycurrents 510 and thereby drop into the catch element 116.

In some embodiments, the a plate cleaning mechanism (not shown) is ableto periodically clean the particles off the plates 506 such that theplates 506 do not become saturated. Alternatively, the plates 506 areable to be substantially self-cleaning due to the force of gravityand/or the motion of the system 100 during operation. In someembodiments, the precipitator 502 comprises a saturation sensor (notshown) that detects if the plates 506 are saturated by brake dust orother particles and provides a signal indicating the plates 506saturation status to a user such that the user knows when/if the plates506 need to be cleaned/replaced. In some embodiments, the precipitator502 is able to comprise other types of sensor, such as maintenancesensors, that indicate when the precipitator 502 requires repair or isno longer operating correctly. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents (e.g. catch elements 116) of the system 100 are able tocomprise a sticky or adhesive surface for facilitating the capturing ofthe brake dust. In some embodiments, the collector apparatus 500 is ableto comprise a thermal component (not shown) that utilizes a heat sourceto heat up dust particles in order to facilitate their collection.

In operation, the collector apparatus 500 guides air into the shroud 106via the inlets 108 where the air picks up brake dust and travels alongpath 99 through the electrostatic precipitator 502 before exiting viathe shroud outlet 512. When traveling through the precipitator 502, thebrake dust is ionized by the wires 504 such that the brake dust adheresto the plates 506. In addition, the extended cavity 508 creates eddycurrents 510 within the air that guides brake dust into the catchelement 116 and/or redirects the air and brake dust through theprecipitator 502. As a result, the brake dust is collected on the plates506 and within the catch element 116 instead of being released into theenvironment. Further, vibrations and other movements of the collectorapparatus 500 (along with gravity and the eddy currents 510) cause thebrake dust collected by the plates 506 to drop into the catch element116. The catch element 116 is then able to be emptied and/or replaced tosafely remove the collected brake dust. As a result, the collectorapparatus 500 provides the advantages of maintaining a cleaner brakemechanism 104 as well as a cleaner environment around the brakemechanism 104. Further, the collector apparatus 500 provides theadvantage of increasing of the cooling the braking mechanism duringoperation by directing air flow through the brake mechanism 104.

FIG. 6A illustrates a profile view of the collector apparatus 600according to some embodiments and FIG. 6B illustrates the profile viewof the collector apparatus 600 of FIG. 6B rotated by 90 degreesaccording to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, thecollector apparatus 600 comprises a collection canister 626 coupled witha cyclone chamber 602 having a main inlet 604, a brake dust inlet 606, aspiral ramp 608, a vortex reversal plate 610, a vortex outlet 612 and ahopper 614. Additionally, the collector apparatus 600 is able tocomprise one or more coupling elements (not shown) for permanently ordetachably coupling the apparatus 600 to the brake mechanism 104. Forexample, the apparatus 600 is able to be coupled to the brakingmechanism 104 such that the venturi inlet 604 faces and is positionedproximate to the braking mechanism 104, and the main inlet 604 is facingthe direction of motion of the device utilizing the braking mechanism104. The cyclone chamber 602 is substantially a circular cylinder.Alternatively, the cyclone chamber 602 is able to be other shapes suchas an elliptic cylinder, hyperbolic cylinder, parabolic cylinder orother types of prisms, cylindrical or non-cylindrical as are well knownin the art.

The main inlet 604 is able to be positioned at the top of the cyclonechamber 602 and forms a funnel or venturi that guides air into thecyclone chamber 602 along the spiral ramp 608 that is also positioned onthe top of the cyclone chamber 602. Because of this communicationbetween the main inlet 604 and the spiral ramp 608, air 98 that entersthe main inlet 604 is propelled in a downward spiral or vortex path 97along the perimeter of the chamber 602 past the brake dust inlet 606toward the bottom of the chamber 602. Additionally, because of theventuri created by the funneling or narrowing of the inlet 604, the air98 increases in speed and lowers in pressure as the air 98 passes thebrake dust inlet 606 along the vortex path 97. This creates a suction onthe brake dust inlet 606 thereby causing the brake dust inlet 606 tosuck in brake dust filled air 96 from the brake mechanism 104. This“dirty air” 96 joins the air 98 and spirals downward along the path 97until it reaches the vortex reversal plate 610 where the air 96, 98“bounces” off of the top of the reversal plate 610 and moves in anupward spiral or vortex path 95 until it exits the chamber 602 via thevortex outlet 612.

The vortex reversal plate 610 is positioned at the bottom of the cyclonechamber 602 just above the hopper 614 and/or bottom of the chamber 602.By the time the air 96, 98 has reached the reversal plate 610, thecentrifugal force of the vortex path 97 of the air 96, 98 has caused thebrake dust to accumulate and move downwardly on the inner walls of thechamber 602. As a result, as the air 96, 98 switches to the vortex path95 the brake dust is distributed/collected on the bottom of the chamber602 under the reversal plate 610 and on top of the hopper 614. Thehopper 614, which comprises one or more holes 615, provides a pathwayfor the brake dust to fall from the cyclone chamber 602 into thecollection canister 626 where it is stored and periodically emptied. Inparticular, the collection canister 626 is able to be detachably coupledto the cyclone chamber 602 such that the brake dust is able to beremoved from the canister 626 and then the emptied canister 626 able tobe re-coupled to the cyclone chamber 602. For example, in someembodiments the canister 626 and cyclone chamber 602 are threaded suchthat the canister 626 is able to be screwed into and out of the cyclonechamber 602. Thus, the collection apparatus 600 provides the advantageof collecting brake dust in the collection canister 626 such that it isnot released into the environment.

In some embodiments, the holes 615 of the hopper 614 are only positionedunder the reversal plate 610 in order to protect the holes 615 from theforces of the spiraling air 98, 96 within the chamber 602.Alternatively, one or more of the holes 615 are able to be positioned inthe hopper 614 beyond the perimeter of the reversal plate 610. In someembodiments, the hopper 614 has a flat surface. In some embodiments, thehopper 614 is able to be angled toward the center of the chamber 602 toguide the brake dust particles to the center of the chamber 602 underthe reversal plate 610 before falling into the collection canister. Insome embodiments, the reversal plate 610 has an upwardly convex,parabolic or curved upper surface and a flat, concave or hollowunderside. Alternatively, the reversal plate 610 is able to have acone-like or pyramid-like upper surface or other non-flat upper surfaceconfigured to cause the air along the vortex path 97 to switch to theupward vortex path 95. In some embodiments, the cyclone chamber 602 isable to have fins the downwardly spiral along the inner perimeter of thechamber 602 in order to further facilitate the vortex path 97 of the air98. Alternatively, in some embodiments the spiral ramp 608 is able tocontinue partially or fully downward to the bottom of the chamber 602thereby forming a channel that forces the air 98 to follow the vortexpath 97. In some embodiments, the walls of the vortex outlet 612 areable to be extended fully or partially downward to the reversal plate610 of the chamber 602 in order to further facilitate the upward vortexpath 96 by shielding the upward vortex 96 from the downward vortex path97. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g. canister 626 orpillars 902) of the of the collector apparatus 600 are able to comprisea sticky or adhesive surface for facilitating the capturing of the brakedust.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side and top cross-sectional view of thecyclone chamber 602 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the inner walls of the cyclone chamber 602 are able to compriseone or more blocking pillars 902 that block, capture and/or direct brakedust particles from path 97 down to the hopper 614. In particular, thepillars 902 are positioned vertically and/or angled along the innerperimeter of the chamber 602. In some embodiments, one or more of thepillars 902 are able to have a hinge 904 such that they are able to moveabout the hinge 904 when contacted by the brake dust and/or air flow.Alternatively, one or more of the pillars 902 are fixed in place on theinner surface of the chamber 602 such that they do not move whencontacted by the brake dust and/or air flow. In some embodiments, one ormore of the pillars 902 are able to be porous and/or comprise a screenor filter such that the air flow is able to pass through the pillars902, but the brake dust particles are blocked by the pillars 902. Insome embodiments, the chamber 602 is able to comprise one or more exitapertures (not shown) that serve to collect the brake dust that iscaught by the pillars 902 and/or to route the brake dust to the canister626. In some embodiments, the pillars 902 extend from the top to thebottom of the chamber 602. Alternatively, one or more of the pillars 902are able to extend less than the full height of the chamber 602 and/orin between the top and bottom of the chamber 602. In some embodiments,one or more components (e.g. canister 626 or pillars 902) of the of thecollector apparatus 600 are able to comprise a sticky or adhesivesurface for facilitating the capturing of the brake dust.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a profile view and a perspective view of abraking system 700 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 7Aand 7B, the braking system comprises a braking mechanism 104 operablycoupled with a magnetic brake mechanism 702 having one or more magnets704. Although only a single magnetic brake mechanism 702 having a singlemagnet 704 is illustrated, it is contemplated that any number of brakemechanisms 702 having any number of magnets 704 are able to be coupledwith the braking mechanism 104. In some embodiments, one or more of themagnets 704 are rare earth magnets such as neodymium. Alternatively, themagnets 704 are able to comprise other types of magnets. Alternatively,one or more of the magnets 704 are able to be replaced with othermagnetic field inducing devices or objects including devices havingvariable magnetic fields such as Tesla coils.

The magnetic braking mechanism 702 is able to be configured to move themagnet 704 relative to the braking mechanism 104 between a firstposition and a second position. In some embodiments, the first positionis a proximal position adjacent to the rotor of the braking mechanism104 and the second position is a distal position farther away from therotor of the braking mechanism 104. Alternatively, the first position isable to be a first orientation of the magnet 704 such that the magneticfield or eddy current of the magnet 704 resists the motion of the rotorof the braking mechanism 104 and the second position is able to be asecond orientation of the magnet 704 such that the magnetic field oreddy current of the magnet 704 does not resist the motion of the rotorof the braking mechanism 104. Alternatively, the first and/or secondpositions are able to be combinations of proximal or distal positionsand orientations of the magnet 704. Alternatively, instead of or inaddition to moving the magnet 704, the magnet 704 is able to be replacedand/or supplemented with a device having a variable magnetic field oreddy current. In such embodiments the strength and/or direction of themagnetic field or eddy current of the device is able to be adjusted(e.g. electrically) from a first mode that resists the motion of therotor to a second mode that does not significantly resist or aids themotion of the rotor. For example, the first mode is able to beimplemented by increasing the power to the device such that the strengthof the magnetic field or eddy current is increased and oriented suchthat it opposes the movement of the rotor. Contrarily, the second modeis able to be implemented by removing all power such that the magneticfield or eddy current is removed, lessening the power such that thefield or current strength is weakened or reversing the direction of thefield or current and/or adjusting its power such that it aids in therotation of the rotor.

In operation, when braking is desired the magnetic brake mechanism 702moves the magnet 704 into the first position such that the magneticfield of the magnet provides a magnetic force or eddy current thatresists the rotation of the rotor of the braking mechanism 104 therebyslowing the rotor. In contrast, when braking is not desired the magneticbrake mechanism 702 moves the magnet 704 into the second position suchthat the magnetic force or eddy current of the magnet 704 no longersignificantly affects the rotor and thus it is no longer slowed. As aresult, the brake dust produced by the braking mechanism 104 is reducedbecause the slowing of the rotor by the magnetic braking mechanism 702reduces the amount of braking required by the braking mechanism 104which produces the brake dust. In some embodiments, the magnetic brakemechanism 702 is configured to cause the braking/slowing of the rotor(e.g. movement to the first position) before the braking mechanism 104begins braking the rotor with the brake pads. Alternatively, themagnetic brake mechanism 702 is able to be configured to cause thebraking/slowing of the rotor before, during and/or after the braking ofthe braking mechanism 104. The braking system 700 is able to beincorporated into any of the other braking systems 100 described herein.Alternatively, the braking system 700 is able to be a standalone brakingsystem.

The braking systems, devices and methods described herein have numerousadvantages. Specifically, they provide the advantage of maintaining acleaner brake mechanism as well as a cleaner environment around thebrake mechanism. Further, they provide the advantage of increasing thecooling of the braking mechanism during operation by directing air flowthrough the brake mechanism. Moreover, they provide the advantage ofreducing the braking required by the braking mechanism thus reducing theamount of brake dust produces per braking instance. This results, inless pollution and better performance of devices that use brakes, suchas vehicles, because the brake dust does not interfere with or otherwiseharm the components of the vehicles and other brake system utilizingdevices.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of theprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made inthe embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A braking apparatus for collecting brake dust caused by braking avehicle, the braking apparatus comprising: a braking mechanism havingone or more brake pads; a shroud coupled with the braking mechanism andforming a cavity having a shroud inlet aperture and a shroud outletaperture with an air path between the shroud inlet aperture and theshroud outlet aperture; and a catch canister coupled with the shroud,wherein the brake dust separates from the air path between the shroudinlet aperture and the shroud outlet aperture and is caught by the catchcanister.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the braking mechanismcomprises one or more calipers, a rotor and a hub, wherein the calipersare fixedly coupled with the shroud whereas the rotor and hub are bothrotatably coupled with the shroud such that the rotor and the hub areable to rotate with respect with the shroud.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, wherein the cavity is structured to fit around the rotor of thebraking mechanism and the shroud comprises one or more caliper aperturesand one or more hub apertures sized to receive the calipers and the hubof the braking mechanism.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein innerwalls of the shroud forming the cavity comprise one or more of the groupconsisting of air tunnels and air fins that guide the air along adesired route.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shroud inletaperture is positioned nearby the catch canister.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a flow of the brake dust is directed to the catchcanister.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anelectrostatic precipitator having one or more plates, one or moreelectrodes and a power source that maintains a voltage differencebetween the plates and the electrodes.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the electrostatic precipitator is positioned within the cavityof the shroud such that the electrodes are between the plates and theshroud inlet aperture.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the catchcanister is positioned nearby the plates to catch brake dust that fallsoff the plates.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising amagnetic braking element having a magnetic field generator and acontroller, wherein the magnetic braking element is positioned withinthe cavity near the braking mechanism and produces a magnetic fieldoriented such that the field resists the rotation of the rotor of thebraking mechanism in a first direction.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the controller is configured to adjust the strength, positionrelative to the braking mechanism and/or orientation of the magneticfield produced by the magnetic field generator based on received controlsignals.
 12. A brake dust collector for coupling with a brakingmechanism and collecting brake dust caused by braking a vehicle, thebrake dust collector comprising: a shroud forming a cavity having ashroud inlet aperture and a shroud outlet aperture with an air pathbetween the shroud inlet aperture and the shroud outlet aperture; and acatch canister coupled with the shroud, wherein the brake dust separatesfrom the air path between the shroud inlet aperture and the shroudoutlet aperture and is caught by the catch canister.
 13. The collectorof claim 12, wherein the cavity is structured to fit around a rotor ofthe braking mechanism and the shroud comprises one or more caliperapertures and one or more hub apertures sized to receive a caliper and ahub of the braking mechanism.
 14. The collector of claim 12, whereininner walls of the shroud forming the cavity comprise one or more of thegroup consisting of air tunnels and air fins that guide the air along adesired route.
 15. The collector of claim 12, wherein the shroud inletaperture is positioned nearby the hollow catch canister.
 16. Thecollector of claim 12, wherein a flow of the brake dust is directed tothe catch canister.
 17. The collector of claim 12, further comprising anelectrostatic precipitator having one or more plates, one or moreelectrodes and a power source that maintains a voltage differencebetween the plates and the electrodes.
 18. The collector of claim 17,wherein the electrostatic precipitator is positioned within the cavityof the shroud such that the electrodes are between the plates and theshroud inlet aperture.
 19. The collector of claim 18, wherein the catchcanister is positioned nearby the plates to catch brake dust that fallsoff the plates.
 20. The collector of claim 12, further comprising amagnetic braking element having a magnetic field generator and acontroller, wherein the magnetic braking element is positioned withinthe cavity near the braking mechanism and produces a magnetic fieldoriented such that the field resists the rotation of a rotor of thebraking mechanism.
 21. The collector of claim 20, wherein the controlleris configured to adjust the strength, position relative to the brakingmechanism and/or orientation of the magnetic field produced by themagnetic field generator based on received control signals.
 22. A methodof providing a braking apparatus, the method comprising: coupling ashroud with a braking mechanism having one or more brake pads bypositioning the braking mechanism at least partially within a cavityformed by the shroud, wherein the shroud has a shroud inlet aperture anda shroud outlet aperture with an air path between the shroud inletaperture and the shroud outlet aperture; and coupling a catch canisterwith the shroud, wherein the brake dust separates from the air pathbetween the shroud inlet aperture and the shroud outlet aperture and iscaught by the catch canister.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein thebraking mechanism comprises one or more calipers, a rotor and a hub,wherein the calipers are fixedly coupled with the shroud whereas therotor and hub are both rotatably coupled with the shroud such that therotor and the hub are able to rotate with respect with the shroud. 24.The method of claim 23, wherein the cavity is structured to fit aroundthe rotor of the braking mechanism and the shroud comprises one or morecaliper apertures and one or more hub apertures sized to receive thecalipers and the hub of the braking mechanism.
 25. The method of claim22, wherein inner walls of the shroud forming the cavity comprise one ormore of the group consisting of air tunnels and air fins that guide theair along a desired route.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein theshroud inlet aperture is positioned nearby the catch canister.
 27. Themethod of claim 22, wherein a flow of the brake dust is directed to thecatch canister.
 28. The method of claim 22, further comprising couplingan electrostatic precipitator with the shroud, wherein the electrostaticprecipitator has one or more plates, one or more electrodes and a powersource that maintains a voltage difference between the plates and theelectrodes.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the electrostaticprecipitator is positioned within the cavity of the shroud such that theelectrodes are between the plates and the shroud inlet aperture.
 30. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the catch canister is positioned nearby theplates to catch brake dust that falls off the plates.
 31. The method ofclaim 23, further comprising coupling a magnetic braking element withthe shroud, wherein the magnetic braking element has a magnetic fieldgenerator and a controller and is positioned within the cavity near thebraking mechanism, and further wherein the magnetic field generatorproduces a magnetic field oriented such that the field resists therotation of the rotor of the braking mechanism in a first direction. 32.The method of claim 31, wherein the controller is configured to adjustthe strength, position relative to the braking mechanism and/ororientation of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic fieldgenerator based on received control signals. 33-59. (canceled)
 60. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch canister further comprises anair filter.
 61. The collector of claim 12, wherein the catch canisterfurther comprises an air filter.
 62. The method of claim 22, wherein thecatch canister further comprises an air filter.